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Friday, October 12, 2001

By Anna Rosenstein

Parents know that it's often hard to stomach the stuff kids find entertaining. Just whisper the words "purple dinosaur" and listen to the groans of despair. So when something comes along that not only captivates children's attention but also engages and even moves adults, it's pretty extraordinary.

		'THE MIRACLE WORKER' Where: Prime Stage at Hazlett Theater, North Side. When: Today and tomorrow 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets: $8-$12; 412-394-3353.

"The Miracle Worker" accomplishes just that.

Most of us are familiar with the story told by William Gibson's play, of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. But knowing the events that'll occur only adds to the anticipation. Realizing the world that will open to Helen after her epiphany at the water pump only fosters the desire to see her get there and makes you share the frustration of earlier failures.

Of course, such active interest depends as much on the actors as on the story line. Julia Beardsley simply charms the Prime Stage audience onto her side until we're willing to fight for Helen as much as she is. As the teacher, Annie, Beardsley displays a stubbornness of will equal to Helen's. She's feisty and funny, forthright, strong, demanding and, under all that, sensitive and insightful. Beardsley conveys as much about her character in quiet moments alone as she does in her all-out fights with Helen or arguments with the Kellers.

Emily Gup, a fifth-grader, more than holds her own among the adult actors. Having worked with the Pittsburgh Vision Center, her portrayal of Helen is open and honest. Gup not only tugs at your heart, she asks you to share Helen's anger and impatience, to revel in her spirit and rejoice in her success. As she maneuvers on Paula Grittie's homey multilevel set, we see Helen's competence and adaptability as well as how very alone she is.

"The Miracle Worker's" strong supporting cast demonstrates that there's never only one story to be told. Amidst Helen's struggles, everyone else's life and problems continue. As often happens, the stress of one crisis triggers the surfacing of others that have lain dormant. John-Paul Nickel plays the bitter son, James, forced to confront his fear and jealousy and admit his love for his father and stepmother. Bryan W. Bessor and Kristin Pfeifer are the parents who must summon all of their strength and love to maintain a family and a marriage in the face of chaos.

Surrounding the family are other well-meaning individuals: Sue Morris' nosy, somewhat intrusive Aunt Ev; Mayme A. Williams' warm, often bemused cook, Viney; and Morgan Levinea Russell's Martha, Viney's daughter who valiantly and in a wonderfully matter-of-course manner tries to befriend Helen.

Director Scott "Biff" Baron maintains focus on the human drama. His production curtails pity, asking instead for hope and alliance. Prime Stage obviously wishes to foster acceptance with "The Miracle Worker," even taking the opportunity of a post-show talkback to ask children in the audience if the show had changed their thoughts about people with disabilities. While none of the kids were willing to make that leap, it's true that they'd sat through the play, raptly following Helen's lessons and laughing at her insubordination, seeing Helen as a sort of "everykid." An everykid who wins.

Anna Rosenstein is a free-lance writer.